Describes attributes of educational facilities that (1) influence occupants' performance (physical factors, task-related factors, user-friendliness, organizational qualities); (2) convey subtle messages (design statements, accessibility, spatial factors, aesthetics); and (3) influence programs and their delivery (technology, learning-style…

Investigated effects of environmental changes on functioning of 134 nursing home residents relocated to new facility, in comparison with 145 nonrelocated residents of a similar facility. Found that physical functioning and orientation were not affected by relocation. Stabilizing effect on mood, relative increase in withdrawn behavior, and decline…

Discusses the development of a global program designed to provide a worldwide study of the earth, oceans, and atmosphere as a system; and to document changes that are occurring in this system. Explains the objectives and three core projects around which the experimental program has been organized. (RT)

Discusses the issues facing New York State public libraries regarding preservation of materials. Highlights include a review of related literature to examine the history, preservation methods, control of the library environment, education and training, organization, and government involvement; and results of a questionnaire that surveyed directors…

Describes the geology of the radon problem in the United States and suggests how homeowners can cope with the radio active gas. Vignettes illustrate how and where radon is produced beneath the earth's surface, testing sites and procedures for radon in houses, and locations for potential radon problems across the United States. (MCO)

Discusses the importance of helping children learn about the environment, describing several projects undertaken in Britain to foster children's environmental and aesthetic education. Presents strategies that parents can use to encourage aesthetic learning. (MDM)

Describes the operation of halon gas fire extinguishing systems, which have been installed in a number of libraries and archives across Canada where protection of special collections from water and mold damage resulting from operation of a standard water sprinkler system is paramount. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of system are…

Reviews the history of architectural developments in academic libraries. Highlights include natural lighting and the invention of the incandescent bulb; compact shelving; open versus closed stacks; modular construction methods; central air conditioning and controlled environments; interior arrangements; access to handicapped users and staff; and…

This meta-analysis of 40 independent studies was undertaken to clarify existing knowledge of computer use in instruction and to provide information concerning implementation factors helpful to school administrators. Variables analyzed included characteristics of students, teachers, physical settings, and instructional formats. Teacher computer…

States that firsthand observations of the dynamic process that shapes landforms are important to understanding physical geography. Posits that locally planned, short-duration field exercises to study miniature or fourth-order landforms will enhance instruction about these fundamental geographic concepts. (DB)

Examines 71 of the 605 licensed child care centers in Atlanta for playground hazards and school accidents. Finds 684 hazards in 66 centers, including climbing equipment over 6 feet high with inadequate impact-absorbing undersurfacing that had over twice the rate of fall injuries as climbing equipment under 6 feet high. (FMW)

Focuses on ways to meet the facility needs of students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. Provides a definition of inclusion; discusses some processes to design school environments that support a side range of student needs; and presents a process that will enable facility planning teams to move all students from self-contained classrooms…

Introduces the lessons from "Mountain: A Global Resource" that were developed by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and The Mountain Institute for use by NCSS members and their students. Provides an overview that introduces the mountains, mountain cultures, historical perceptions, and the geographical importance of…

The hypothesis that improving the aesthetic quality of the environment of a functionally dependent person with traumatic brain injury would show a corresponding positive effect in the attitudes and behaviors of the resident's family system was tested. Effects of environmental manipulations on family and patient are assessed and discussed.…

Defines the new social movement, environmental justice, in the outdoor-education terms of humane orientation, ecopolitical approach, and appreciation of work. Discusses institutional racism in the mainstream environmental movement, the environmental expression of social injustices, and outdoor educational strategies to combine appreciation of the…